Association between myelofibrosis and thromboembolism: A population-based retrospective cohort study

Exploring the Molecular Aspects of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Associated with Unusual Site Vein Thrombosis: Review of the Literature and Latest Insights

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are the leading causes of unusual site thrombosis, affecting nearly 40% of individuals with conditions like Budd-Chiari syndrome or portal vein thrombosis. Diagnosing MPNs in these cases is challenging because common indicators, such as spleen enlargement and elevated blood cell counts, can be obscured by portal hypertension or bleeding issues. Recent advancements in diagnostic tools have enhanced the accuracy of MPN diagnosis and classification. While bone marrow biopsies remain significant diagnostic criteria, molecular markers now play a pivotal role in both diagnosis and prognosis assessment. Hence, it is essential to initiate the diagnostic process for splanchnic vein thrombosis with a JAK2 V617F mutation screening, but a comprehensive approach is necessary. A multidisciplinary strategy is vital to accurately determine the specific subtype of MPNs, recommend additional tests, and propose the most effective treatment plan. Establishing specialized care pathways for patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis and underlying MPNs is crucial to tailor management approaches that reduce the risk of hematological outcomes and hepatic complications.

Predictors of thrombosis and bleeding in 1613 myelofibrosis patients from the Spanish Registry of Myelofibrosis

Available data have proved insufficient to develop consensus recommendations on the prevention of thrombosis and bleeding in myelofibrosis (MF). We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of vascular complications in 1613 patients from the Spanish Myelofibrosis Registry. Over a total of 6981 patient-years at risk, 6.4% of the study population had at least one thrombotic event after MF diagnosis, amounting to an incidence rate of 1.65 per 100 patient-years. Prior history of thrombosis, the JAK2 mutation, and the intermediate-2/high-risk International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) categories conferred an increased thrombotic risk after adjustment for the risk-modifying effect of anti-thrombotic and cytoreductive treatments. History of thrombosis and the JAK2 mutation allowed us to pinpoint a group of patients at higher risk of early thrombosis. No decreased incidence of thrombosis was observed while patients were on anti-thrombotic or cytoreductive treatment. An increased risk of venous thrombosis was found during treatment with immunomodulatory agents. A total of 5.3% of patients had at least one episode of major bleeding, resulting in an incidence rate of 1.5 events per 100 patient-years. Patients in the intermediate-2/high-risk IPSS categories treated with anti-coagulants had an almost sevenfold increased risk of major bleeding. These findings should prove useful for guiding decision-making in clinical practice.

Thromboembolic Events in JAK inhibitors: A Pharmacovigilance Study From 2012 to 2021 Based on FAERS

INTRODUCTION

As a new type of drug developed rapidly in recent years, Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKinibs) have caused controversy due to possible adverse reactions of thromboembolism. The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate the association between thromboembolic events (TEs) and the use of JAKinibs, on the base of the latest data in the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

A disproportionality analysis was conducted, utilizing data from 1 January 2012 to 30 September 2021 in the FAERS. For each drug-adverse event pair, reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information components (IC) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 15 positive safety signals were detected within the FAERS: ruxolitinib was significantly associated with PVT (ROR₀₂₅ =3.49, IC₀₂₅ =1.50), tofacitinib IR with pulmonary embolism (ROR₀₂₅ =2.09, IC₀₂₅ =1.02) and thrombosis (ROR₀₂₅ =1.15, IC₀₂₅ =0.18), tofacitinib XR with pulmonary embolism (ROR₀₂₅ =1.27, IC₀₂₅ =0.26) and thrombosis (ROR₀₂₅ =1.29, IC₀₂₅ =0.33), baricitinib with DVT (ROR₀₂₅ =8.27, IC₀₂₅ =3.00), PVT (ROR₀₂₅ =1.97, IC₀₂₅ =0.63), pulmonary embolism (ROR₀₂₅ =7.90, IC₀₂₅ =2.94), thrombosis (ROR₀₂₅ =2.04, IC₀₂₅ =0.93) and venous thrombosis (ROR₀₂₅ =2.15, IC₀₂₅ =0.81), upadacitinib with pulmonary embolism (ROR₀₂₅ =1.25, IC₀₂₅ =0.25), pulmonary thrombosis (ROR₀₂₅ =5.32, IC₀₂₅ =2.33) and thrombosis (ROR₀₂₅ =2.72, IC₀₂₅ =1.39), and filgotinib with pulmonary embolism (ROR₀₂₅ =4.83, IC₀₂₅ =2.10). In the analysis of the time to onset of TEs, no obviously recognizable pattern was found. Several safety signals with embolic and thrombotic events (SMQ) were found in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

This pharmacovigilance study covered 8 types of JAKinibs that are already on the market, and provided new safety signals based on past safety information. Some of these signals still need more medical evidence to confirm.

FUNDING

National Nature Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award Number: 82073671; Military Key Discipline Construction Project (Health Service-Naval Health Service Organization and Command), Grant/Award Number: 03; Three year Action Program of Shanghai Municipality for Strengthening the Construction of Public Health System, Grant/Award Number: GWV10.1-XK05; Leading Talents of Public Health in Shanghai, Grant/Award Number: GWV-10.2-XD22.

Thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms during cytoreductive and antithrombotic drug treatment

A state-of-the-art lecture titled "Myeloproliferative Neoplasm-associated Thrombosis" was presented at the ISTH congress in 2021. We summarize here the main points of the lecture with two purposes: to report the incidence rates of major thrombosis in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia and to discuss to what extent cytoreductive therapy and antithrombotic drugs have reduced the incidence of these events. Unfortunately, the incidence rate of thrombosis remains high, ranging between 2 and 5/100 person-years. It is likely that new drugs such as interferon and ruxolitinib can be more efficacious given their cytoreductive and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite prophylaxis with vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants after venous thrombosis in either common sites or splanchnic or cerebral sites, the incidence rate is still elevated, as high as 4 to 5/100 person-years. Future studies with new drugs or new strategies should consider thrombosis as the primary endpoint or surrogate biomarkers only if previously validated.

Prevention of venous thromboembolism in hematologic neoplasms: an expert consensus from SEHH-SETH

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication in hematologic neoplasms, so finding adequate prevention strategies is an urgent requirement. However, prospective studies with large enough cohorts are scarce, limiting the development of evidence-based thromboprophylaxis guidelines. The present position paper is addressed to all hematologists treating patients affected by hematologic neoplasms with the aim to provide clinicians with a useful tool for the prevention of VTE.

The JAK-STAT pathway: an emerging target for cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis and myeloproliferative neoplasms

Inflammation contributes centrally to cardiovascular diseases, and anti-inflammatory treatments can reduce cardiovascular events. The JAK-STAT pathway is an emerging target in inflammation, mainly in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), disorders that heighten cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to review the international literature on the relationship between dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway in RA/MPNs and cardiovascular risk and on the potential cardiovascular effects of JAK-STAT inhibitors. The JAK-STAT pathway sustains inflammatory and thrombotic events in autoimmune disorders such as RA and MPNs. Here, an imbalance exists between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines [increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1-β, tumour necrosis factor-α, decreased levels of IL-10] and the over-expression of some prothrombotic proteins, such as protein kinase Cε, on the surface of activated platelets. This pathway also operates in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. JAK-STAT inhibitors may reduce cardiovascular events and related deaths in such conditions, but the potential of these agents requires more studies, especially with regard to cardiovascular safety, and particularly for potential prothrombotic effects. JAK-STAT inhibitors merit consideration to curb heightened cardiovascular risk in patients with RA and MPNs, with rigorous assessment of the potential benefits and risks.

The Association of Psoriatic Arthritis With All-cause Mortality and Leading Causes of Death in Psoriatic Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and all-cause mortality from a large population-based database.

METHODS

Patients with PsA from the Clalit Health Services database were identified between 2003-2018 and matched to 4 controls by age, sex, ethnicity, and index date. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatments were extracted. Mortality data were obtained from the Israeli Notification of Death certificate. The proportionate mortality rate (PMR) of the leading causes of death was calculated and compared to that of the general population. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the crude and the multivariate adjusted HR for the association between PsA and all-cause mortality and for factors associated with mortality within the PsA group.

RESULTS

There were 5275 patients with PsA and 21,011 controls included and followed for 7.2 ± 4.4 years. The mean age was 51.7 ± 15.4 years, and 53% were females. Among patients with PsA, 38.2% were on biologics. Four hundred seventy-one (8.9%) patients died in the PsA group compared to 1668 (7.9%) in the control group. The crude HR for the association of PsA and all-cause mortality was 1.16 (95% CI 1.04-1.29) and 1.02 (95% CI 0.90-1.15) on multivariate analysis. Malignancy was the leading cause of death (26%), followed by ischemic heart disease (15.8%); this is in keeping with the leading causes of death in the general population. Older age, male sex, lower socioeconomic status, increased BMI, increased Charlson comorbidity index scores, and history of psoriasis or hospitalization in 1 year prior to entry were positive predictors for mortality.

CONCLUSION

No clinically relevant increase in mortality rate was observed in patients with PsA, and specific PMRs were similar to those of the general population.

Exploring factors associated with acquisition and chronicity of infection in bronchiectasis: A population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Chronic infection is associated with adverse outcomes among people with bronchiectasis. However, it is not known which factors are associated with a bacterial infection, and with persistence of an infection after the first episode. We aimed to determine factors associated with a new infection and with chronicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and H. influenzae (HI), the most common organisms in bronchiectasis infection.

METHODS

Using an Israeli population database, we identified individuals diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess risk factors for first isolation and Logistic regression for chronicity of infection after a first isolation of PA and HI.

RESULTS

We included 1305 people with a median of 5 respiratory samples per individual. PA was initially isolated in 297 people, of whom 97 (33%) developed chronic PA infection. HI was newly identified in 169 people, of whom 39 (23%) developed chronic infection (p = 0.029). Factors associated with increased risk of a new infection with PA were COPD (HR 1.87 [1.52-2.28], previous isolation of HI (HR 1.38 [1.07-1.78]), and alcohol abuse (HR 2.22 [1.13-4.3]). Younger age was associated with increased risk of HI infection, while COPD was associated with a lower risk of HI infection. Prescription of an anti- PA antibiotic was associated with chronic PA after a new infection (OR = 1.8 [1.09-2.9], p = 0.02). A landmark analysis showed that survival was worse in people with chronic PA infection vs. single or intermittent infection (Log rank: p = 0.034) CONCLUSIONS: Younger age and presence of PCD are associated with a new isolation of HI. A new infection with PA is associated with previous HI infection, PCD, COPD, and alcohol abuse. Unexpectedly, treatment with appropriate anti-PA antimicrobials was not associated with a reduced risk of chronicity.

Implementation of oral anticoagulation treatment guidelines in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation

AIMS

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are considered the mainstay in preventing stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF). OAC treatment remains suboptimal among AF patients, even after the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We aimed to assess trends overtime and current implementation of OAC treatment guidelines in AF, using a large dataset of real world data from Israel.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study that includes all adult members of Clalit Health Services, the largest healthcare provider in Israel, with newly diagnosed nonvalvular AF between January 2014 and December 2019 with CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score ≥2. OAC treatment rates were calculated and multivariate regression models were used to identify predictors of OACs initiation.

RESULTS

Overall, 46 531 patients were included in the study. The 3-months cumulative OAC treatment rates increased consistently over the years: 46.9% (95% confidence interval, 46.1-47.7%), 54.9% (54.1-55.6%) and 61.7% (60.9-62.4%) during 2014-2015, 2016-2017 and 2018-2019, respectively. DOACs constituted 51.3% of prescribed OACs in 2014-2015 and increased to 95.1% during 2018-2019. On multivariate analyses, the likelihood of OACs initiation among AF patients increased across the years and across higher socioeconomic classes, and was more likely among females, Jews, statins users and patients previously screened for colorectal cancer, but less likely among smokers and patients with impaired renal function. The likelihood of treatment increased with higher CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score and decreased with higher HAS-BLED score.

CONCLUSION

Despite the increasing OAC treatment rates among high-risk AF patients, mainly attributed to the expanding DOAC use, OAC treatment scope is still far from optimal.

Correlation between Primary Myelofibrosis and the Association of Portal Thrombosis with Portal-Biliary Cavernoma: US, MDCT, and MRI Features

Objective Myelofibrosis is a rare chronic myelolymphoproliferative disease and is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism. The objective of this study is to retrospectively evaluate patients with primary myelofibrosis who underwent abdominal US, MDCT and MRI, in order to identify the development of portal thrombosis and its correlation with portal-biliary cavernoma.

Methods We evaluated 125 patients with initial diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis and nonspecific abdominal pain who had undergone US with color Doppler. In 13 patients (8 men, 5 females; age: 45–85), US detected portal thrombosis with associated portal-biliary cavernoma. All patients subsequently underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT and MRI and 4 patients MR-cholangiography. The correlation between primary myelofibrosis and portal thrombosis and cavernoma respectively was calculated using χ2 test.

Results About 10% of patients with primary myelofibrosis preliminary evaluated with US had partial (8 pts) or complete (5 pts) portal thrombosis associated with portal-biliary cavernoma with a χ2 = 0. In all patients, US detected a concentric thickening of main bile duct (MBD) wall (mean value: 7 mm); color Doppler always showed dilated venous vessels within the thickened wall of the biliary tract. Contrast-enhanced CT and MRI confirmed thickening of MBD walls with their progressive enhancement and allowed better assessment of the extent of the portal system thrombosis. MR-cholangiography showed a thin appearance of the MBD lumen with evidence of ab extrinsic compression.

Conclusions The evidence of portal thrombosis and portal-biliary cavernoma in 10% of the patients with primary myelofibrosis indicates a close correlation between the two diseases. In the detection of portal thrombosis and portal-biliary cavernoma, US with color Doppler is the most reliable and economical diagnostic technique while contrast-enhanced MDCT and MRI allow better assessment of the extent of the portal vein thrombosis and of the complications of myelofibrosis.